(Apple Valley) –Liberty Utilities recently announced a series of actions it has taken to protect Apple Valley customers and employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. These actions include restricting public access to the local customer service office to safeguard against the spread of COVID-19, a temporary moratorium on service disconnections for customers, and protections for low-income customers enrolled in the California Alternative Rates for Water (CARW) program.

“We recognize our customers count on the essential services Liberty provides,” said Tony Penna, Liberty Utilities Vice President and General Manager. “With the uncertainty surrounding this virus, we want to provide our customers continued access to the services they need to help maintain their health and safety.”

Water Quality

Liberty Utilities would like to reassure the community that the tap water served to customers is safe from COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the Water Research Foundation reports that drinking water is not a vector for COVID-19 and does not transmit the virus. Liberty Utilities follows EPA-established regulations regarding treatment requirements for public water systems that prevent waterborne pathogens, such as viruses from contaminating drinking water. COVID-19 is a type of virus that is particularly susceptible to disinfection and the standard treatment and effective disinfectant processes. Dedicated Liberty Utilities Apple Valley staff are working diligently each day, testing and treating the water, along with inspecting and maintaining the water system facilities to provide the public safe drinking water.

Customer Service/Payment Options

In compliance with Executive Order N-33-20 issued by Governor Gavin Newsom, public access to the Apple Valley customer service office located on Ottawa Road has been temporarily closed until further notice. Customers may still speak with a dedicated customer service representative by phone at 760-247-6484 or by submitting any comments or questions online at www.LibertyUtilities.com.

Liberty Utilities offers a number of ways customers can pay their water bills from the safety of their homes online, by phone, or by mail. For a complete list of payment options, customers may visit www.LibertyUtilities.com.

Temporary Moratorium on Service Disconnections

Liberty Utilities recently announced it will suspend all service disconnections for non-payment to assist customers and communities impacted by the COVID-19 public health emergency. This temporary suspension includes residential and business customers and is expected to remain in place through at least May 1, 2020. Customers experiencing hardship or financial uncertainty are encouraged to contact Liberty Utilities’ customer service department to discuss payment options and other assistance programs available to them.

Protections for CARW Customers

During this public health emergency, Liberty Utilities has temporarily suspended any removals from the CARW program, which provides a credit for enrolled low-income customers. Additionally, the utility has halted all recertification and verification requests for this program.

Liberty Utilities recognizes the important role water plays in our customers’ daily lives. We continue to monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will take all necessary precautions to continue to deliver safe and reliable service to our customers.

All customers received these updates via email and social media. For additional information and to be added to the email distribution, customers may call Liberty Utilities at (760) 247-6484. Follow Liberty Utilities Apple Valley on Facebook or visit www.libertyutilities.com for updates.